Stars, stripes and superheroes

America loves it's heroes, whether they are firefighters, police officers or soldiers. They live to serve the people so we could get through a safer day. They don't have special powers, nor do they need them. But in the Marvel Comics lore, there would most certainly be a superhero mixed in with our everyday-protectors. That is exactly what's delivered in director Joe Johnston's American pride comic book adaptation, Captain America: The First Avenger. With a character that has been much anticipated to save the world on the big screen, a well-crafted background story and some entertaining action put in the mix, Captain America is one to cheer for as he defends our star-spangled land.

Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is a young man who is determined to enlist in the U.S. army during World War 2. But because of some medical conditions, he is constantly rejected. Upon seeing the passion in him to serve his country, Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), who works for the U.S. government Strategic Scientific Reserve, recruits Steve to a squad of soldiers that is under the control of Colonel Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones). After seeing his promise as a soldier, Dr. Erskine suggests to the colonel that Steve should take part in an experiment that changes ordinary army men into "super-soldiers." After is alteration, Steve does whatever he can to assist the U.S. army in taking down Nazi officer Johann Schmidt (Hugo Weaving) and his terrorist group known as HYDRA, who are attempting to destroy the world by merging their technology with the godly power of an ancient artifact known as the Tesseract.

Chris Evans has improved greatly from back when he played another superhero, the Human Torch, in the two Fantastic Four films. He drops all of the annoying smugness of that character, and trades it in for someone who's a lot more likable. His character is well-developed throughout the film. He goes from a scrappy boy from Brooklyn to a war hero. Even in his new physical state, Steve doesn't show-off or become egotistical. He remembers the purpose of his powers is to help his fellow soldiers, and he retains the same strong-minded and courageous attitude as he kept in his previous self.

The script has a good sense of pace when telling the portion of the film where Steve Rogers becomes Captain America. It fleshes out his character before diving into the action. There is a sprouting relationship between Captain America and SSR officer Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell. In this, we have just the right amount of a love story; and, thankfully, it's not too much and doesn't dilute the main purpose of Steve Rogers' journey, which is saving the world while also coming to terms with his enhanced abilities.

Hugo Weaving's character, who becomes the dreaded Red Skull, doesn't go beyond the usual villain trying to take over the world; and therefore, he isn't too memorable. He still does well with what he's given. The action scenes aren't anything special, but watching Americans take on some Nazis never gets old. This is the final film in a stream of Marvel adaptations that all lead to next summer's The Avengers, and this set up ends on a good note. Joe Johnston has made a superhero movie that was well worth the long wait. It's not spectacular, but it does have its bright spots of red, white and blue.

Final grade: B

A fond farewell to a generation's hero

How do you sum-up a saga that began with a book published back in 1997, and ended with its last adaptation this year? The truth is, you can do so in many ways. The Harry Potter series has established itself in a special place in the hearts of millions of avid readers and moviegoers, that they all probably have differing opinions on how this unparalleled adventure has resonated with them. Although we completed Harry's journey with him in the literary world four years ago, it was still comforting to think that there were still the last few films to look forward to. Now, author J.K. Rowling's famous wizard has ended his run on the big screen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, the grand finale to the epic of The Boy Who Lived. This is the experience that fans have been waiting for. Despite our reluctance to watch the final installment because of the bittersweetness, we've stuck with Harry through everything, and his last stand against evil does not deserve to be missed.

While still being on the run from Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) army, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) continue their search for the rest of the dark lord's Horcruxes, which are pieces of his soul embedded in objects of significance to him. If they can destroy them all, then they will be able to defeat him. Their seach will eventually bring them back to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Harry must help in the effort to fend off Voldemort and his followers, and finally come face to face with the wizard who has wanted him dead from the very beginning.

It's a cinematic marvel of how we've watched these once-child actors grow up throughout eight films. They've gone through the awkward stages of being teenagers and into the beginnings of accepting huge responsibilities as young adults, something that all viewers can relate to in some way. Harry, who we first witnessed as a young boy who was forced to sleep in a cupboard by his wicked aunt and uncle, has fully grown into a person who is ready to thrust himself into battle in order to save the people he loves. Radcliffe has fully matured along with his character into a confident individual. Whatever roles he pursues after this, I have complete faith in him. The same can be said wholeheartedly for Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.

Even amidst the battle scenes, there is some astonishing character development. Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) has his secrets and true motives revealed in a flashback sequence that's as gripping as it is heartrending. Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) has transformed from a timid young student into a sword-wielding warrior. Teachers and pupils who were first in classrooms filled with whimsical magic are now involved in combat on the castle grounds. In the end, there are sacrifices made by many.

As appropriate for the final film, it has the most visual extravagance of any of the other Harry Potter's. Harry and his friends' break-in at Gringotts bank in the first half hour was a clear indication that this final installment would begin and end with a bang. Watching Harry, Ron and Hermione escape the bank on a majestic fire-breathing dragon brought me back to the first entries of the saga where I first gazed upon giant monsters such as Fluffy the three-headed dog and the Basilisk. The battle of Hogwarts displays how far computer-generated effects have come since the beginning when the film version of The Sorcerer's Stone was released in 2001. The final clash of good and evil is as climactic and hold-your-breath exciting as anyone could have asked for.

Director David Yates and screenwriter Steve Kloves provided a respectable treatment to the source material, and made Part 2 as true to the book as Part 1. By splitting the last book into two movies, the filmmakers took into consideration the love and devotion of the fans for the series, as well as the need to tell the conclusion in its entirety and tie up all the loose ends. It's rare that a film series has successfully kept and grew its audience throughout the time that it took to be completed, which was ten years in this case. With The Deathly Hallows - Part 2 finished, Harry Potter is definitely as much a motion picture achievement as it is a literary one. It is an enthralling and timeless story worthy of decades of new fans. It's hard to believe that this all started with a book, but it happened. Thank you, Harry, for sharing the quest.

Final grade: A

For a good laugh, you wouldn't mind being hired by these 'Bosses'

There's an old saying that goes: "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." That's the kind of occupation that we all crave, one where we can put our talents and dreams to good use so we can be happy and successful. You can't, however, enjoy your job if you're being supervised by a ghastly boss. We've all either had one or had a friend with one. They are those that make the workday seem longer and make us reluctant to clock-in everyday. Some of them tantalize us with rewards if we do their demeaning bidding. All of this, and more, happens in the workplace dark-comedy, Horrible Bosses. If you think you have it bad at your job, it's nothing compared to what the three friends have in this high-stakes murder caper.

Nick (Jason Bateman) is a dedicated worker who's at the office from sunrise to sundown. He's aiming for a big promotion that his boss (Kevin Spacey) keeps hinting is Nick's. When his boss gives the position to himself, Nick is resentful. Meanwhile, Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) is suddenly disliking his job at a chemical plant when his recently deceased boss (Donald Sutherland) gives the company to his incompetent son (Colin Farrell). Dale (Charlie Day) is a dental assistant to Julia (Jennifer Aniston). While constantly being sexually harassed by her, Dale's engagement to his girlfriend is at risk. These three friends are finally fed up, and hatch a plan to murder each other's boss. With the help of their murder consultant (Jamie Foxx), Nick, Kurt and Dale will turn the tables on their employers.

The three leads all have equal shots at bringing the laughs. Jason Bateman delivers is lines with bite. He's the logical center of the trio (because every group needs one) who tries to keep his friends in line in order to complete their murderous mission. Jason Sudeikis prolongs the trend of Saturday Night Live stars succeeding in big screen comedies. His character is the hilariously irresponsible clique member who accidentally finds new ways of jeopardizing the operation. He also gets many of the film's cascade of one-liners. Charlie Day is a loose canon who's always at danger of firing. He commands the humor while he's on screen. When trying to help his friends, something always goes terribly wrong; but we still love him for the unpredictable live wire that he is.

We can't forget about our horrendously horrible bosses. Kevin Spacey is evilly good as Bateman's manager. He's a paranoid and sadistic psycho, a devil incarnate in the office area. Jennifer Aniston is certainly not the same person as she was when playing the loveable Rachel on Friends. She's far from it. Boundaries don't exist for her character. Aniston played a disgruntled employee in the 1999 film Office Space. In this, she's on the other side of the spectrum. As a highly promiscuous dentist, Aniston does anything, and I mean anything, to make her assistant feel uncomfortable. Colin Farrell changes up his usual game as well. Sporting a comb-over, he's a cocaine-addicted slacker who loves kung fu. Jamie Foxx is a riot as the friends' shifty murder consultant. Thankfully, he's given a much better and funnier character than he had in last November's comedy Due Date.

In film and television, we often just see unhappy workers suffer through whatever their bosses have them do. In the screenplay by Michael Markowitz, John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, it's revitalizing to see these three friends set out to do the dirty deed. There is an unexpected twist halfway through the film that kicks it into high gear. The downside of that is this causes Nick, Kurt and Dale to fix their main focus on Kevin Spacey's character; so as for the other two bosses, Aniston is almost forgotten about until the end, and SPOILER ALERT (sort of), you'll have to see what happens to Colin Farrell. With the dueling trios of employees and supervisors, however, it's enough to forgive the flaws. For an hour and a half, the workplace is shown to be an area where anything can happen.

Final grade: B+

A 'Tree' that branches out through millions of years on Earth

Life is a mystery with many secrets that it doesn't reveal too easily. With whatever questions we have concerning our existence, there are just as many answers. There isn't a straightforward response; so like a good story, life is open to interpretation. With everything that goes on through nature, time and space, we are encouraged to ask what it all means to us. In the long run, it's our job to choose a path on how to live and to follow it to our destination. In Terrence Malick's unique and puzzling odyssey, The Tree of Life, he takes us on a journey of discovery that begs the audience to ponder upon what it means to be human and have the chance to experience the world.

Mr. O'Brien (Brad Pitt) is a father who rules his family with an iron fist in a 1950s Midwestern household. His main priority is to teach his three sons that they need to be tough in order to get ahead in the world, while their mother (Jessica Chastain) wants them to go through life appreciating the beauty that's around them. Their older son Jack (Hunter McCracken) begins to rebel against his father, wanting to live the way that he prefers, instead of always doing what his father wishes. This all leads to Jack on a course to question and find the purpose for his existence. The story jumps back and forth from this time period to the present day where an older Jack (Sean Penn) is still trying to come to terms with his life.

Brad Pitt gives a performance of domineering force. He displays a different side of himself in this role that I don't ever recall seeing before. His character is hateful through much of the film, and yet, we understand that he wants the best for his sons, even if it means pushing his Darwinian survival-of-the-fittest methods on them. He is a parent and a life coach. As a father, he shows signs of love and tough love. Pitt has moments of tender emotion with his wife and children, but isn't afraid to remind them who is boss when he has his fits of anger. His character speaks most of the film's dialogue, which assists in highlighting the power that the father holds over the family.

Jessica Chastain is the loving and compassionate mother that anyone would be fortunate to have. Chastain's character understands the situation that her sons are in, and suffers along with them. She is a wife that obeys her husband and his ways, but isn't afraid to let her children run wild and have fun as their father is away on a business trip. Letting her sons have those experiences and explorations is important to her, and is what any mother would want for her young ones.

Although Chastain and other characters aren't given much to say, that doesn't mean that we don't know what's going on in their heads. The mother expertly conveys the feelings she has when showing a look of adoration or disappointment in her children. The younger Jack and his brothers go through their boyhood with laughs and cries, expressing their thoughts with minimal use of actual words. Sean Penn, as the older Jack, has piercing anguish in his eyes as he attempts to decipher the reasons for his being. Penn doesn't appear in the film too often; but the story let's us spend enough time with his younger self, and therefore, we already know a lot about him in the few scenes with his older self.

The screenplay, also by Malick, doesn't just concern the family. Using richly beautiful images, it details the creation and end of life, and covers much ground from the untamed nature to the infinite cosmos. All of this makes the meaning of the movie so much stronger and mysterious, and shows that we are a part of something a lot bigger than ourselves. It helps that it's accompanied with a triumphant score by film composer Alexandre Desplat. The sequence that plays out the beginning of life is quite lengthy; and while it's remarkable to watch, it sometimes implicates that it's trying to be this generation's version of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, which itself had a portion that was dedicated to the B.C. era of time.

Malick took a risk in crafting a narrative that's very different from what we've seen in the past few years. It's an experience that will be enlightening for some, baffling for others, or a little bit of both for some people. The film presents a worthwhile challenge to the audience, having them piece the story together in order to try to make as much sense of it as they can. No matter how you interpret the story, there will still be something mystifying about it, just like life itself.

Final grade: A-